E320cdi Or E270cdi ??

[G MAN]

Spotted a couple of maybes both 53 plate Avantgarde Tiptronic Estates
320 is 80k Tealite blue half leather
270 is 94k Black Black leather
Any thoughts /comments welcome

 

[jberks]

320 is more fun (sports car performance) but more expensive to run. 270 isn't as refined at low speeds, a tad slower (still fun but won't outrun quicker stuff if they're serious) but in return cheaper to fuel and insure. Drive both and decide which you prefer. In theory the 270 should be a bit cheaper to buy but condition and history are vital considerations too.
You pays your money.....

 

[Jensen]

JBerks

Thought you might have added a bit more as its a 53 plate. Aren't the following factors and need to be checked:-
1. Check radiator in case its "Valeo" probs with gearbox damage
2. Problems at this age with electrical issues.
3. Isn't it better to go for a 54 plate anything built post April 04 to benefit from Nano paint.

You'll know better than me but these are the points I picked up on the board, your wisdom is always appreciated.

 

[Soltan]

I'd take JBerks advise and go for something newer. I bought a E320 CDI myself just over 6 months ago, it was fully loaded (apart from sunroof for some strange reason) and my gadget sense went wild.

So far, I've had a headlight controller failure (almost £500), a service (around £300), I've got a slight leak from the transmission (close to £2000 quote from the dealer to reseal, cann't afford it yet), 2 new tyres required (due to damage on one and some strange splitting on the other, >£400 the pair), new brakes shoes all round (finally went to specialist as couldn't afford to keep going to dealer, £220).
My next service is due in about 6000 miles (about 3 months) and it's a major one, not looking forward to that. Also my insurance was close to £900, up from £300 for my Volkwagen Bora.

They are very nice cars, but when they go wrong, boy does it hit your wallet.
A friend of mine gave me some advise when I was considering a 4x4 and I think it applies to mercs as well, "Don't buy one unless you can afford to keep it running".

If I remember correctly the '04 models also had the newer 7-G gearbox, which is quite smooth. Worth getting if you can.
I don't want to put you off these cars, beleive me, I do lots of miles and it's almost effortless in the E class. Performace is great (OK, not a fan of the clouds of smoke when I put my foot down) but for such a large car it shifts.

 

[Rory]

2 new tyres required (due to damage on one and some strange splitting on the other, >£400 the pair), new

That's a lot for 2 tyres - what size are they?

Did you try one of the online places for price comparison, like http://www.etyres.co.uk - they have mobile fitters.

 

[Soltan]

Tyres

That's a lot for 2 tyres - what size are they?

Did you try one of the online places for price comparison, like http://www.etyres.co.uk - they have mobile fitters.

They are 265/35ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport Extra Load on the rear and 245/40R18 93Y Continental Sport Contact 2 MO on the front.
Tried a couple of dozen internet sites plus friend of a friend etc.
Was trying to get like for like (don't know much about tyres so figgured the person who put them on orignally probably knows more than me about what tyres should go on the car). The tricky bit seems to be finding MO rated tyres, there have been comments about insurance, etc with non-MO rated tyres, so I thought why take the risk. Brakes and Tyres are both important as I do alot of milages on the motorway.
Black Circles was quite good from what I can remember.
Also, thought I'd get the Merc dealer to fit them as I don't want anyone mucking up the Tyre Pressure Monitoring system.

 

[G MAN]

Thanks guys,jberks jensen for that knowledge much appreciated.

They are BTW both at MB Motor Group In Tong Road Leeds (jberks) if your curiosity stretches that far. I had gone to check out a newer RR but the black 270 really caught my eye. I may well go back & give it a thrash armed with the above info.

Much obliged I'll post anything worth knowing

 

[jberks]

I've heard of MB though I've never personally dealt with them. May be worth looking at a used warranty though, at least until you know the car.

Soltan - Headlight controller - unusual bit it can happen. The other stuff is normal wear and tear really. I use an indie specialist for all non standard work. Dealers are ok for servicing these days (discounts for > 3 year old cars) but I don't want to pay £100 an hour for repairs. Their £2000 for a gearbox leak is crazy. They commonly leak from the electrical plug. If yours is leaking from here I'd say a) get it done asap as it leak through the wiring into the ECU and b) £2000 - you're having a laugh! Mine was done under warrranty a few months ago so I don't know the exact cost but I think £100 is probably a lot closer.
And 7 speeds didn't come out until mid 05 and then only on the V6 CDIs.

Tyre wise, each to their own but I pay £60 each for 245/45/17 Federal tyres and they're just fine. Nice and grippy and good for 17-20k. Brands are a big con on tyres and so long as you don't buy proper cheapies, or do track days, one tyre is much the same as another.

 

[Soltan]

Thanks for the info jberks. I was told by the dealer that they would have to take the transmission apart and that would be about 5 hours work to get the leak repaired. I'll see if I can have it verified by an independant.
I've recently heard that some cheaper tyre makes are made by branded companies, will do some more digging when I get time, worth it if you can get the same quality for a fraction of the price.

 

[OlafMaxwell]

For what it's worth I would go for the 320, the sports car performance is worth it. Also there were some issues with the 270cdi in 03 cars, I recall a turbo issue. The 320 engine seems ultra reliable.

 

[AnthUK]

Get the 320cdi. After having an Impreza STI Prodrive I needed something exciting and the 320 really kicks you in the back. Off the mark not much will entertain you..